Saskatchewan has announced that K-12 schools will likely be back in session by the fall.
The province announced June 9th that schools can open as early as September 1st, or the first day of their fall semester after that date. The Ministry of Education is currently working with several COVID-19 guidelines for a safe return to classes for students, staff and caregivers.
These rules will be developed with the assistance of the Education Response Planning Team, made up of several different school boards and officials. Chief Medical Health Officer Dr.Saqib Shabib will be providing advice and recommendations as the designing and implementation process continues.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant praised teachers and school officials for adapting their lesson plans for out of school learning, and said re-opening the schools is a large step for the return to “the new normal.”
While an Autumn return for schools is the planned scenario, the government will be creating contingencies should an elevated COVID-19 risk be presented, either in the entire province or a certain region.
In an emailed statement to MyLloydminsterNow, Lloydminster Catholic School Division Communications Coordinator Jessie Mann says LCSD is waiting on information from the Provincial Response Planning Team, after which they will provide more information on their next steps.
Lloydminster Public School Division, also in an emailed statement to MyLloydminsterNow, says they will also be waiting on framework from the Ministry of Education, which will help them plan their school year.
Update: This story has been updated with comment from LPSD.Â